Ala Mosque The Ala Mosque, situated in Osmaniye, stands as a well-preserved representation of an ancient settlement that has been shaped by influences from Roman, Byzantine, and Turkish-Islamic cultures, as uncovered by the Directorate for Osmaniye Museum during their excavations. Originally a Christian monastery, the structure underwent significant renovations throughout its history, making it challenging to determine its precise construction date. However, it has functioned as a mosque for several generations since its transformation in the late 14th century. The Ala Mosque has four distinct phases, according to research: First Phase (Early Byzantine Period): This phase is marked by the surviving mosaics on the northern side of the site. A platform adorned with mosaics and spolia flooring, which consists of columns and ornamental architectural elements taken from older structures, leads up to the steps of the Ala Mosque. Second Phase (Middle Byzantine Period): In this phase, the structure was converted from a basilica into a single-nave chapel. The apse section on the southern half of the building was enclosed by a wall, and rows of columns were introduced inside. Third and Fourth Phases (Dulkadiroğulları and Ottoman Periods): The northern section of the structure now contains a two-part cistern, which suggests a possible connection to the water pipes and channels discovered in the eastern part of the site. An Arabic inscription on the southern wall bears the phrase "Word-i Tawhid" along with an additional word, indicating that the cistern remained in use during the Ottoman Period. A ceramic kiln was also found near the structure, and numerous waste pits were dug, particularly on the western and southern sides, during this era. If you have any questions or need more details about Ala Mosque, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or simply message us on WhatsApp, and we’ll get back to you promptly.